Artist of the day: Memphis Train Union

Memphis Train Union have been popular purveyors of gritty Americana in the Tampa Bay area for years. Their new album, The Bluebird Sessions, will do nothing to change that.

Out Jan. 24 on Mind Balm Records, The Bluebird Sessions is a bluesy, soulful collection that calls to mind Wilco, the Black Keys, Drive-By Truckers, the Band and any number of your favorite alt-country groups. Singer Dave Korman’s whiskey-soaked wail and Steve Rosicky’s organ evoke a dark, rowdy bar from a bygone era. Jason Angelo, Tim Adger and Ed Swain round out the group, and artists like Rebekah Pulley and Rob Pastore have guest spots on the new album.

"It’s a bunch of my friends coming in," Korman said. "We were in the studio together, we’d drink a beer, record it and have a good time. I think that really reflects on the album."

Memphis Train Union will release The Bluebird Sessions on Saturday with a show at Dunedin Brewery. It's part of the annual release party for Dunedin Brewery's Leonard Croon's Old Mean Stout -- named for '90s locals the Leonard Croon Band, of which Korman, above, was also the frontman. There is no cover.